WOODLAND PARK, CO — Ken Witt, Superintendent of Woodland Park School District (WPSD), has resigned from his position earlier than expected, marking an unexpected shift in leadership for the district. Witt, who had previously announced his intention to step down in mid-April, surprised both the board and the community when his resignation took effect immediately following Wednesday’s school board meeting.
Aaron Salt, the district’s Chief Operating Officer, has been appointed as the interim superintendent while the district begins its search for a permanent replacement.
Witt’s resignation comes at a time of increasing scrutiny surrounding the district’s financial practices, particularly regarding the 1% sales tax that generates funding for the district. The city council has called on the school district for greater transparency in how these funds are allocated and spent, prompting questions about whether the resignation is connected to this ongoing issue.
In a statement following his resignation, Witt expressed his pride in the achievements of the district over his two-and-a-half-year tenure. “Over the past two and a half years, I have been honored to lead an administrative team that has achieved remarkable milestones in advancing education for our students,” Witt said. He continued by thanking the school board for their dedication and support, emphasizing their shared passion for improving educational opportunities.
Despite Witt’s praise for the board, the resignation comes amid a period of heightened attention to the district’s financial management. The city council’s recent calls for transparency regarding the sales tax revenue have added pressure to the district’s leadership, and it remains unclear whether these concerns played a role in Witt’s decision to leave earlier than planned.
As the district navigates this transition, Salt will oversee operations until a permanent superintendent is selected. The board has yet to announce a timeline for this search, leaving many wondering how this leadership change will impact the district’s approach to the ongoing financial discussions.
For now, the Woodland Park School District will focus on maintaining stability while addressing the challenges ahead, particularly with regard to transparency and community trust.
